Name: Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked (approximately 5 cups uncooked); 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz Mozzarella pearls; 1 cup chopped spinach; 1/4 cup chopped basil; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 63 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors, the Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender cheese tortellini tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil, all dressed in a luscious olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette that wakes up every bite. This salad is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful to serve as it is enjoyable to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a layered mix of fresh and colorful ingredients arranged side by side. On one side, there are bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some sliced in half, showing their juicy interior. Next to the tomatoes is a pile of fresh dark green spinach leaves with a slightly crinkled texture. Nearby, there are small white mozzarella balls, smooth and round in shape, occupying a large area of the bowl. Below the mozzarella, some light yellow tortellini pasta with a soft and folded shape is placed. In the center, a mix of minced garlic, dried herbs with green and brown specks, and dark brown balsamic vinegar sits, adding contrast and texture to the fresh ingredients. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe plays an important role in creating a vibrant dish that’s full of flavor and textural contrast. Let’s walk through each essential component to understand how they come together.

Cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star pasta, offering a soft, cheesy bite that forms the salad’s hearty base.
Cherry tomatoes (10 oz), halved: These add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color to the dish.
Mozzarella pearls (8 oz): Creamy and mild, these little balls of cheese melt delicately on your palate.
Chopped spinach (1 cup): Fresh greens that add a slight earthiness and a hit of nutrients.
Chopped basil (1/4 cup): A fragrant herb that brings unmistakable Italian freshness.
Olive oil (1/2 cup): The rich, smooth dressing base that ties everything together with its fruity undertones.
Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Minced garlic (3-4 cloves): Gives a bold, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
Italian seasoning (3/4 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Salt and pepper (1/2 teaspoon each): Essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors.
Balsamic glaze (optional): A sweet, syrupy finish that adds a beautiful presentation touch and extra flavor.

How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente so that the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down slightly. This step ensures your salad isn’t warm and wilting the fresh ingredients too soon.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While the tortellini is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the spinach and basil, and mince the garlic cloves. Since these ingredients are raw, their freshness will shine through and provide vibrant color and texture contrasts in the final salad.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

In a medium to large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with chopped spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and minced garlic. Pour over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece beautifully in the dressing and distribute all flavors evenly.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Pop the salad into the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve. Cooling helps the flavors meld together wonderfully. Before serving, give it a good toss to redistribute any oil that may have settled to the bottom. If it feels a bit dry, feel free to add a splash more olive oil. For a stunning finishing touch, drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving.

How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a pasta salad made of three main layers: the bottom layer shows small yellow tortellini with a soft, smooth texture, the middle layer has halved bright red cherry tomatoes and fresh green basil leaves scattered evenly, and the top layer features small white mozzarella balls drizzled with thick, dark balsamic glaze in thin lines over the whole dish; all items are mixed together with a moist, fresh look, set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly torn basil leaves or a few extra mozzarella pearls on top to brighten the presentation. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also add a touch of sharpness that complements the creamy and tangy flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad shines when paired with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or even a light soup for a full Italian-inspired meal. It’s substantial enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully as a refreshing side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe in a large glass bowl so the colors pop, or arrange individual servings on small plates and drizzle the balsamic glaze artistically over each. You can also skewer some salad components on cocktail sticks for a fun party appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it even better the next day. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving to reintegrate the dressing.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and cheese, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of mozzarella and tomatoes will suffer, and the salad will lose its bright freshness upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not needed. If you prefer it slightly warmer, just bring it out from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving and toss well.

FAQs

Can I use spinach substitutes in this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Baby arugula or fresh kale can work well if you want a slightly different flavor or texture. Just make sure to chop kale finely and consider massaging it a bit to soften its toughness before adding.

Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma in this recipe, but if fresh is unavailable, a teaspoon of dried basil can substitute. Just add it earlier in the mixing process to help it rehydrate and release its flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Swap the cheese tortellini for a vegan variety and replace mozzarella pearls with plant-based alternatives like marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese pearls. Also, ensure the dressing is made without honey or non-vegan ingredients.

Can this salad be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini, which are widely available now. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt without losing any deliciousness.

What is the best way to store the salad dressing if prepping ahead?

Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a separate jar and refrigerate. Add this dressing just before tossing the salad to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

The Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined with love and simple techniques. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress without stress. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for a colorful, flavorful meal!